Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Oregon and Washington, are triggering air quality alerts and health warnings in the area. According to AccuWeather, over 1.3 million acres have been ablaze in Oregon, forcing thousands to evacuate and burning down six homes.
Air Quality Concerns
The National Weather Service warns that smoke from the fires will continue to move over the area, causing hazy skies, visibility reductions, and low air quality. The states with the worst air quality in the United States include Oregon and Idaho, with Boise, Idaho, reporting the worst air quality.
The fires were started by lightning strikes brought on by monsoon thunderstorms between July 22 and July 23. Windy conditions allowed the fires to spread quickly, and large thunderstorms did not bring significant rain to the region.
Health Risks
Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and dizziness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that particulate matter in wildfire smoke can damage lung function and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung cancer, and decline in cognitive function.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
